Tuesday, February 11, 2014

2/11/2014, #35, 1st Quarter 2014

But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Now early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came to him; and he sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to him, "Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do you say?" This they said, testing him, that they might have something of which to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with his finger, as though he did not hear. (John 8:1-6) My father-in-law used to say that he was probably writing, "Where is the man?" since they claimed to have caught her in the very act of adultery.

So when they continued asking him, he raised himself up and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." (John 8:7) Holy Spirit, help us have Jesus' compassion on those who sin since we are sinners in need of forgiveness as well.

And again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. (John 8:8 ) Jesus, set us free from rushing to judgment.

Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. (John 8:9) Father, as we minister to those who come to the prayer tables or to our parishes, help us remember that we too are sinners and that it is only the blood of Jesus that covers over our sin.

When Jesus had raised himself up and saw no one but the woman, he said to her, "Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." (John 8:10-11) Holy Spirit, please help us as you did Jesus lead people out of lives of sin and death with your love, understanding, and compassion. Thank you.

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." (John 8:12) Jesus, please help us walk in your footsteps and minister your light in a world steeped in darkness. Thank you.

A word received: I am with you. Walk with me. Keep looking to me for guidance. There is no one pattern that fits each person. Pray for guidance from my Holy Spirit for each person you minister to.

***** St. Ann's Church (37 Division Street, Amsterdam) will celebrate our monthly Healing Eucharist on the 3rd Saturday of the month at 6pm, February 15. This service will begin with contemporary praise and worship music, Eucharist will be celebrated, and prayer will be offered for those in need of healing or any other needs.

***** Healing Service Guest Speaker: Rev. Michael Neufeld The guest preacher at the Service of Healing at Christ the King Spiritual Life Center on Tuesday, February 11th will be the Rev. Michael Neufeld, Rector of St. Andrew's Church in Scotia. Before becoming a priest, Fr. Neufeld had been the Director of a church-run group home and a minister to the homeless at one of the largest soup kitchens in the United States. Fr. Neufeld knows the the depths of our Savior Jesus Christ's saving love and has found true life in His cross and resurrection. The Healing service begins at 10 a.m. Opportunity for individual prayer ministry occurs at the end of the service. Lunch is available for purchase in the dining room of the Welcome Center afterwards.

***** Christ Church Coxsackie is hosting an evening of revival at the church, 70 Mansion St., Coxsackie, NY, 12051, 7pm, Friday, February 14. Usually there is worship, encouraging message and healing prayer, seeking God as we are led by the Lord. The message will be given by Luke Hendrickson of Christ Church. All are welcome. Bring your lover AND an unsaved friend. God is EXCELLENT, for all eternity!